Our Campus
Site
The SLC Fairfield Eco-Design Center is situated on 12-acres. Established in 2008, this property is a work in progress, with buildings made of natural materials, water management systems and extensive gardens. Food forest plantings are being actively established on an ongoing basis. The geography includes a ridge that sweeps from the west to the north and provides a long south and east-facing hillside. The growing season is from April to September.
Welcome Kiosk and Walking Tour
The SLC Welcome Center Kiosk is nearly complete. It serves as the entrance to the Campus and the trail head for the Abundance Ecovillage Walking Tour. The kiosk is constructed from lumber reclaimed from an industrial waste stream. Additionally, the kiosk has a living roof with a variety of plantings include seedum and chives. The living roof was created as a Senior Project by Jamie Fritch a MUM graduate.
Food Forest and Shelter Belt
Iowa experiences strong, cold wind from the Northwest during winter months. To protect our currently treeless site, we are planting a shelterbelts. In 10 years, the treees will be large enough to begin serving their intended purpose.
Gardens
Eco-Center will be host to a 5000 square foot, 40 Bed Bio-intensive Gardening Plot along side traditional permaculture inspired plantings.
The Buildings 
Buildings are constructed using locally sourced materials, local craftsmen and volunteer labor.
The 40' x 30' main building is a pole barn with staw-bale infill, used for indoor classroom space. Construction began in the winter of 2009.
Work currently being planned for completion in 2010 includes: installation of flagstone floor, installation of 2nd floor loft, insulation in second floor walls and roof and final plaster coats inside and out!
The Gypsy wagon is a mobile bunk house. Both rooms contain a set of bunk beds with built in storage. Lights and outlets are powered by a single 75 watt solar PV panel and battery back-up. The wagon was built using entirely local and recycled lumber.
Two Econests are under construction at the Campus. Former Fairfield resident Robert Laporte is leading a series of classes and workshops to complete these 12x12 bunk houses. Construction techniques incorporated into the buildings include: timber framing, conventional framing and rammed clay-straw infill with plaster finishes. The econests are being built in partnership with students at Maharishi University of Management. Students began construction of the first Econest in September of 2009 with completion scheduled for summer of 2010. The second Econest will be started in Fall of 2010.
Utilities 
The campus is completely off-grid meaning all electricity is provided by a 1.8kW solar array located on the south side of the building roof and a 1kW wind turbine.
Meeting Space 
Host your event at our Campus. We offer meeting space in quiet, surroundings for groups that want to get away from daily distractions.
Our campus is available for workshops, planning sessions, seminars, retreats and conferences. Table and chair space is available for up to 30 people. Projector equiment is available for presentations or films.
